Old, Sick Mouse

Question
Hello Natasha,

I currently own two 1 1/2 year old female mice, sisters Bubbles and Cookie. Cookie has been shown as a Youth Pet in the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association and won awards :) However, her sister Bubbles is not doing so well.
Bubbles has always been the friendly, fun, outgoing mouse that just plain loves attention! Recently, her health has severely declined to the point of my feeling guilty she is even still alive :( Very saddening to see such a beautiful mouse, who is long-haired with silky white and patched fur, go to struggling for survival.

Tonight, as I write this, I just checked up on Bubbles and noticed a drastic change I am very concerned about because I have never come across it. A day ago I noticed Bubbles' skin on her head looked dry and the fur seemed patchy. Tonight, all of her skin is absolutely dry, cracked, and filled with heavy dandruff as if her skin is just falling away. Her fur is falling out in severe patches and when you pet her the fur just falls away (and come out if you pull it even gently). She looks so terrible, it makes my heart hurt with sadness to see her like this!
She is active, doesn't make noises with breathing, and eats/drinks normally. But she looks terrible and her fur is mostly gone - the black patches are a light, barely visible grey.

I'm just upset that my poor girl is in such terrible shape. She's had such a great year - one of the healthiest mice I have ever owned. Cookie is in perfect shape, but offers no comfort to her sister (they look alike and I got them from the same litter, I assume they are sisters).

Any idea what this is and how I can keep Bubbles comfortable? Or should I just have her euthanized? :(

Answer
Dear Sarah,

Bring her to the vet and listen to her diagnosis and prognosis before making any decisions. There are many things which can affect skin, such as mites, fungi, etc., and if she is this bad she needs the correct treatment now.

Poor little old girl.

squeaks,

Natasha